Mysteries of the vital element in connexion with dreams, somnambulism, trance, vital photography, faith and will, anaesthesia, nervous congestion and creative function : modern spiritualism explained / by Robert H. Collyer.

  • Collyer, Robert H.
Date:
1871
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Mysteries of the vital element in connexion with dreams, somnambulism, trance, vital photography, faith and will, anaesthesia, nervous congestion and creative function : modern spiritualism explained / by Robert H. Collyer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    then break out in laughter. Presently the subject appeared asleep. When he was shortly after awake again, he was accused by Dr. G. of doing to him as he had said he, would to Dr. Collyer—i.e., feigning sleep. But he (the subject) declared he had not been asleep. Yet when questioned, it appeared that he ■was utterly ignorant of a remarkable noise that had occurred in the meantime, as also of Dr. G.'s going to shut the door. Since this first time, Dr. G. thinks he has several times put him asleep most unequivocally, and elicited somnam- bulic phenomena. [The committee had the opportunity of witnessing this by Dr. Gregerson, in the lower room of the Temple, July 6th.] Dr. Dana, the Secretary, being unwell, S. F. Plimpton was chosen Secretary) pro tern. An unsuccessful attempt was made to magnetize a new subject. At 12 o'clock Dr. C. commences operating upon Mr. Stone, before mentioned, in whom gentlemen had expressed their confidence. At about twelve minutes past 12 o'clock he stands up, and Dr. C. continues his willing for a minute or two longer. Then Dr. C. ceasing and stepping aside, Mr. Stone is asked to state how he had felt, &c. But he stood as he was, mute and motionless, for more than half a minute, as though he heeded nothing that was said or done, and with his eyes still fixed as they had been. He is asked, Can't you speak ? He soon faintly replies, Yes, sir, but still continues with his eyes and body fixed as before, and in about ten seconds says, I do feel very peculiarly in- deed, still without having stirred eye or limb, in about one minute more he seemed more self-possessed, and began the following narration :— I had a sort of confused feeling, which I have not recovered from even ' now. When I was put the question how I felt, I thought I would answer, 'and tried to do so, but felt somehow not disposed for it. I felt a peculiar ' sensation in my whole body, in ray arms and legs, and do so even now ; and ' when Dr. C. stepped off from me, leaving me to myself, I felt I could stand ' there comfortable for a considerable length of time, and had to make a strong ' effort to move. When you first asked me to speak, I felt you were waiting ' for me all around, and yet I could not speak. At thirty-two minutes past twelve, Rev. Mr. Jones begins to operate on Frederick, and at thirty-seven minutes past twelve he appears asleep. Mr. Jones asked him various questions, as to what he (Mr. J.) had on his head at the times the questions were put; and most of the answers were correct, and so with regard to several other things, Dr. C. being kept some distance off. The Rev. Mr. Turnbull moved that the labours of the committee be now concluded, but after some discussion, the vote thereon was nearly unanimous against it. The committee adjourned to 3 o'clock p.m. of Tuesday next. Tuesday, July Gth. The committee met according to adjournment. Dr. C. relates that Mr. Stone, Student of the Medical School to which Dr. Storer lectures, and in whom gentlemen had expressed their confidence, had told him that he (Mr. Stone) had magnetized one of his friends, Mr. ;